Introduction

The issue of wealth inequality is not new. It’s been a source of contention since ancient times. There always seems to be one group—comprising a relative few—that controls the bulk of the wealth and power, leaving the rest of the populace to wrangle over whatever’s left. Perhaps this state of affairs is inevitable. After all, despite the many different regimes that have been attempted throughout history, it’s hard to find a single one that hasn’t grappled with this issue.

Inevitable or not, most people would agree that wealth inequality threatens the social order when the highest and lowest wages are at such extremes that a middle class ceases to exist. A real, functioning middle class is essential to a society’s economic well-being and political influence.

It is, perhaps, the most puzzling enigma of all time: If those without wealth represent the overwhelming majority, why are they always powerless to do anything about it?

Even in democratic societies where ‘everyone has a vote,’ the majority rule doesn’t work when it comes to this issue of wealth. Could it be that there really isn’t a solution to this age old problem?

In this blog about wealth inequality, we will analyze all aspects of this issue from every point of view. It will be an ongoing discussion that we hope you will join in. We will try to address your comments in future articles. Please, let’s keep this discussion friendly. We all want the same thing (or at least, the majority of us do). Who knows, maybe together we can make a difference!

PART ONE:

What do you think? Is wealth inequality a problem? Do you think it can be resolved and, if so, how?